It's a Super Hodgepodge

It is Tuesday morning that I am sitting at my laptop answering questions for tomorrow's Hodgepodge.  If I didn't know better, I would think it was 9:30 pm. instead of 9:30 a.m.  We are expecting more major storms to roll in late tonight, but right now it looks prime for some this morning.  The barometric pressure must be off the charts.  Does anyone else get headaches when this happens?

Let's jump into the questions Joyce has given us today.  Check out the other answers on her blog at From This Side of the Pond.

1. Expect the unexpected on From This Side of the Pond. Here's my x-ray question...when was the last time you felt like Superman? What's your superpower? Explain.  

This morning?  I tackled the grocery store at 6 a.m. this morning and actually found everything on my list.  I left feeling pretty smug.

My superpower?  Besides being really good at doing little or nothing these days, I think its realizing that I am not a victim of my circumstances.  I have learned to be content in whatever state I find myself.  This doesn't mean I am overly optimistic or lackadaisical.  I am neither, but I am strong and am determined to make the best of a situation.

2. Are you a fan of the 'superhero' type movies? If so what's your favorite? 

I really am not, but have seen a couple with the family members who do love them.  I can't even recall the name of the last one I saw, so there is no favorite.

3. Have you postponed or cancelled a trip to the dentist in recent weeks, and if so when do you think you'll feel comfortable going back? How about other routine medical procedures? 

I had my last dental appointment last fall and am not due another until May.  That one remains to be seen as I see my dentist nephew who's practice is in another state.

I did have a 6-month post-surgery check-up on my hand a couple weeks ago, but no medical procedures.  Thankfully!

4. What's something that makes you feel youthful? Something that makes you feel 'not so youthful'? Tell us why. 

Gracious, when was the last time I actually felt youthful?  I suppose it is more a frame of mind than an actual activity.

Some things that make me feel youthful, also make me feel 'not so youthful.  Exercise for example.  While I feel energized, I also feel so old when I can't do what I used to be able to do effortlessly.  Also, when I'm with my grown up grandchildren, they help me feel younger than I really am, because they love me that way.

5. I feel compelled to include some sort of corona related question in the HP these days. What's the strangest thing you've seen in relation to the virus? Something that really struck you as odd, made you stop and think, 'Dorothy we're not in Kansas anymore?'

Since my social interactions are quite limited, and my neighbors know how to behave themselves, I will have to rely on other people's sightings.

A friend posted these on FB.  I'm sure you've seen them too.  How many times can we just shake our heads and roll our eyes at people's stupid ingenuity?  Can you believe folks actually do these things and think its okay?

6. Insert your own random thought here

I suggested our Sunday School class do a "News From the Front Porch" photo and answer a couple questions as a means of staying in touch while living apart.  Dick and I went first, but since no one else seems to want to participate, it will be a short-lived project.  Oh well, the Days say "Hi" from our front porch.

Hope you have a nice rest of your week.

 

After The Storm Passes By

"Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord."

Psalm 31:24

Stressful days are an inevitable fact of modern life and right now, there can be a whole lot of stress.  Some days may feel like we are being stripped bare and all the fears and anxiousness is there for all to see.

When we seek to impose our own wills upon the world - or upon other people - we invite stress into our lives....needlessly.  The ugliness of foolish pride only adds to our stress and self condemnation.

Like the storms that have hit our neighborhood lately ,and possibly yours as well, stress can leave it's mark and the remains aren't pretty.

One day, everything is like a perfectly manicured lawn, and then BOOM!

 Something out of no where hits and all of a sudden, the debris of our lives lie around like mangled steel, blocking our way to peace and contentment that we so desperately desire.

What do we do then?

We look up!

We look up through the ugliness into the light of the One who turns our concerns and our storms into beauty and peace.

"God knows what each of us is dealing with.  He knows our pressures.  He knows our conflicts.  And, He has made a provision for each and every one of them.  That provision is Himself in the person of the Holy Spirit, dwelling in us and empowering us to respond rightly."

Kay Arthur

"Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you:  He will never allow the righteous to be shaken."

Psalm 55:22

"Rejoicing is a matter of obedience to God ---- an obedience that will start you on the road to peace and contentment."

Kay Arthur

"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts ---- and be ye thankful."

Colossians 3:15

Today, as a gift to yourself, to your family, and to your friends, claim the inner peace that is your spiritual birthright:  the peace of Jesus Christ.  It is offered freely; it has been paid for in full; it is yours for the asking.  So ask.  And then share.

Surviving the Hodgepodge

For some reason, I forgot all about doing the Hodgepodge until 11:00 p.m. last night, so here I am with a very late Wednesday morning post.

But if you want to see how the earlier bloggers answered their questions, then hop over to Joyce's Wednesday Hodgepodge.

1. What's something you resolved to do this year? Have you done it?

I went back and looked at one of my January posts where I listed some things I wanted to work on in 2020.  Let's see how I've done so far.

I have started spending time doing a morning devotional that requires discipline.  I have not been consistent with this.  I also want to focus on my painting and try to develop a style that brings me enjoyment and best uses my abilities.  Nope, I haven't painted one single thing.  My blogging needs a new focus this year as well.  Same old, same old so far.  I also want to focus on letting go of expectations of others.  This of course is an on-going focus for me.  This may be the only thing I've even come close to accomplishing, but always a work in progress.

2. Where do you go to find quietude?

These days it isn't difficult to find that, even with Dick in the house 24/7.  We have both been able to find our own quietude and space.  I am either in the office with my laptop or a book, or on the back porch with the outside sounds of the bubbling water fountain and birds.  My daily walks also provide a sense of quietude as I am normally by myself.  I also believe that a sense of quietude comes from being content in whatever state one finds oneself.  And content I am!

3. A friend asked this question on her Facebook page and said I could borrow it for the Hodgepodge...you're only allowed to buy 5 things at the grocery store, and all must start with the first letter of your first name. Whatcha' buying?

"L" for Libby - Lettuce, Lemons, Lentils, Lasagna, Leeks

4. The television show Survivor, the Gloria Gaynor song 'I Will Survive', survival mode, survival of the fittest...pick one and discuss.

"As long as I know how to love, I will live and I will survive!"

I don't look at these days as just surviving.  In many ways we are thriving.  Dick and I are spending more quality time together and enjoying each other more than we ever have.  We are accomplishing some things inside and outside together.  We have learned we can be flexible and enjoy just being close by each other while in separate rooms.  We have become even more grateful for our family and friends and each other.  As long as we have love we will not only survive but thrive.

5. Share a favorite quote or saying about strength.

"You'll never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have."

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Our son will be opening the doors to his new rehab hospital after passing the inspectors inspection today.  It is a beautiful new building and staffed with some amazing healthcare providers not to mention an outstanding CEO.

This will be wonderful place of healing for Northern Indiana.

A 49th Birthday

Happy Birthday, Christy.

On April 21, 1971, our anticipated baby Christy was placed in my arms.  Two weeks later I celebrated Mother's day by giving thanks for two precious children.

You were loved and enjoyed by your big brother, John and you learned early you needed to be tough.

These two pictures will always be among my favorites of you because they say so much about who you would become.

You never met a person you didn't love or get along with, and you easily adapted to all situations.

There was never a dull moment with you.  We loved your lust for life and your humor even at a very early age.  You were our little "Joy."

You were often the life of the party, even your own.  You also loved spending time with your friends, and you never had enough of them.

You put up with all our excursions when we traveled to Glorieta for music weeks, and whether you admitted it or not, most of the time, you actually enjoyed them.

We loved attending all yours and John's band concerts beginning in middle school, and attending ballgames just to see you twirl a flag on the field in high school.

High School graduation was your final milestone before becoming independent.

There were times of joy and times of sadness, and we witnessed how you allowed all of these good and bad times to grow a stronger you.

We saw first hand how your true mission in life was fulfilled when you gave birth to Chandler and became a mother.  This was indeed God's highest calling for you.

We could not have been more proud as a single mother, you pursued your life-long desire to become a nurse.

And then, you were doubly blessed when Cassidy was added to our family.

When Chuck came into your life, you were not only blessed with a devoted, loving, and godly husband, but you became the mother of Emily.  Now you had three girls to love.

Thankfully, God knew you needed one more and gave you Ava Grace.

Who could have known what a blessing joining a family of "Yours, mine and ours" would be.

God also knew you needed some boys to complete your family.

So, He gave Brad to Chandler and David to Emily.  What a blessing these two fine young men have been to our family.

Yes, Christy there have been struggles, some tears, and some fears along the way, but never has there been a long period without happiness.  It has been our joy to watch God use you and grow you through these 49 years, and to love you more each of those years.

Mom & Dad

Wednesday Hodgepodge

Because there is no going to the gym early in the mornings any more, I have tried to take a couple long walks in and around our neighborhood every day.  Below is my favorite walking path and my 5-day Fitbit report this morning, Tuesday.

I am especially loving these cool temperatures right now.

Also, we were able to participate in our Easter service responsive reading by video.  Isn't it wonderful that none of this came as a surprise to our God and in His great wisdom, made it possible for us to continue not forsaking the assembling of ourselves in worship; albeit in a different mode.

Now, to the purpose at hand:

Wednesday Hodgepodge

I always look forward to Tuesdays because I get to answer the questions Joyce from This Side of the Pond comes up with for the Wednesday Hodgepodge.

1. In Monday’s post I mentioned I would incorporate the word I was given for letter K into this week’s questions. That word was karaoke. On a scale of 1-10 how excited would you be to find out there was karaoke happening at your next gathering/outing with friends? 

10=gimme that microphone!, and 1=I suddenly remembered there’s somewhere else I need to be.

Definitely a 1

Have you ever actually done karaoke? If you had to perform karaoke what would be your ‘go-to’song?

I have only done karaoke once and that was so many years ago I can't remember the occasion, only the horror of it.  There surely isn't a go-to-song these days of not being able to sing at all.

2. How do you listen to music these days? Favorite app or do you listen the old fashioned way? Do you have music playing often in your home? Is there still a CD player in your car?

We usually have music going most of the day in the house.  I will either ask Alexa to play a particular artist or genre; play selections from my stations on Pandora through a Sony speaker or the TV app.

Yes, there is a CD player in both our cars, but we don't use it often.

3. The HP lands on US tax day this year. Or what used to be tax day before everything including filing your taxes was cancelled, delayed, postponed or extended. FYI- filing your taxes has not been cancelled, only delayed for a bit.

Besides staying away from anyone and everyone, what have you found taxing lately?

Honestly, I really haven't found anything to be taxing.  I am perfectly content to be home; socializing has never been a must for me.  Okay, there is one thing, and that is just knowing I can't travel to see my family in Dallas (lest I be arrested or fined) or make our scheduled trip to Northern Indiana in May.  We did do a big joint ZOOM visit on Sunday with everyone (except John who had a new hospital to open). It was wonderful seeing everyone all together and to catch up on each other's goings on right now.  Loved it!

4. You’re without power so no oven, and you can’t open your frig or freezer in order to keep what’s in there from spoiling. And you don’t have access to take out. What will you make us for dinner?

You will be offered the basic mixed - never layered - peanut butter and jelly sandwich with options to add a variety of toppings such as bananas, sliced to your liking, and either crumbled or strips of bacon.  This will be served on your choice of china, pottery, corelle, or paper napkin.

5.  I’ve seen this exercise going around Facebook and thought it would be a good one to include in the HP...what are five things everybody seems to love and go crazy for that you personally don’t care for?

1.  Country Western Music

2.  Shopping

3.  Cartoons

4.  Star Wars Movies
5.  Ripped/torn jeans

6.  Insert your own random thought here.

I have received some of the most adorable pictures of my granddogs this week, and cannot resist sharing them with you.  Can we just say they are loved and adored members of their respective household?

Sophie is our oldest and mildest mannered of the bunch.  She recently had to have an eye removed but I think it just made her more adorable.

Her main activity during the day is to keep her favorite person, my daughter company in the chair while Christy works from home.  Sophie stands in the kitchen doorway every morning waiting to hear, "Let's go to work!"  Off she goes and there she stays.  I love this sweet dog and she loves her Bibby holds.

Big Goldenboy Samson is the only male in the bunch and has his own Instagram account.  How is that for special!  As a typical Golden Retriever this 75 lb baby is extremely friendly and loves his family.  However, Chandler told us he has let them know they are infringing on his alone time during these work-from-home days.  We love our red-headed big boy.

And then there is the diva of the bunch, Miss Skye Lane Day.  Skye is a mini Golden Doodle and pretty much rules the roost at the Day house.  She bonded most deeply with Savannah when they got her but is thrilled that all her favorite people are back home and she is the full center of attention.  She celebrated her 2nd birthday this week, and was celebrated with plenty of snuggles.  Is there ever enough for a diva puppy?

And what do this pictures have in common?  There are three pooches out there that are very much spoiled and loved.

I trust you have a great week.

Easter, Faith, Celebration

We are joining Joyce for our Easter Week questions today.  Click on the link and join us to answer these questions for yourself.

1. How will you celebrate Easter this year?

We are celebrating Easter all week long.  One way is to listen to beautiful, stirring music such as the video from Shadow Mountain Church, 

Is He Worthy?

We are reading scripture in preparation for Easter Sunday.

Our church will host an online Maundy Thursday service that we will virtually attend.

Our church has also posted a virtual Stations of the Cross that we will do.

On Sunday, we will join with members of our Sunday School class for Bible Study on our FB page.  My husband teaches and we have had excellent response from our members as well as family and friends.

Afterward, we will join our church family for online worship.  Just because the church doors are closed doesn't mean the Church of Jesus Christ is closed down.  We are very much alive and well, and look forward to Praising the Risen Lord together by whatever means available.

2. Is it easier for you to receive grace offered or extend grace to another? Explain.

That is such a good and thought provoking question, Joyce.  Grace means unmerited favor, and for some reason we want to feel we have some hand in the act of grace.  We also think we have to be worthy of grace in order to receive it.  Neither could be further from the truth, because if it were, then it wouldn't be grace.

Because God has poured out His unmerited favor on me, I am better able to both receive and extend.

3. Do you say grace before meals? If so do you have a standard dinnertime grace or is it more 'off the cuff' ? Do you say grace when dining out? Do you have a favorite grace? Any special memory associated with 'saying grace'?

Yes, we always give thanks before a meal.  As a family and as a couple we hold hands, close our eyes, and bow our heads.

Each prayer is "off the cuff" and we pray for other things as well as being thankful for the food.

Yes, we also hold hands and pray when eating out.

No, we do not have a favorite prayer.

As children, we prayed the familiar prayer, "God is great, God is good, Let us thank Him for our food. Amen!"  I remember seeing my sister peaking and naming each dish on the table at times when it was her turn to say the blessing.

4. What are some challenges you think the next generation will face? (Generation Alpha-born between 2011 and 2025)

I think many of those challenges depend on how and when we come out of this crisis period and how we adjust to the new normal.  Whether or not jobs and the economy bounces back, will determine the lifestyles of families in the future.  I do think each generation has the opportunity to learn from the past and become stronger than the one before.  This is my hope and prayer for my grandchildren and yet to be born great grandchildren.

5. Share a favorite quote or lyric featuring the word faith.

"My faith has found a resting place

not in device or creed.

I trust the Everliving One, His wounds for me shall plead.

I need no other argument

I need no other plea.

It is enough that Jesus died,

and that He died for me."

6.  Insert your own random thought here.

Today is the 27th birthday of our first grandchild, Chandler.

From day one, this child was all JOY!

Bali - 2020 Trip

She loves life and all it has for her.  She and her husband Brad love each other deeply and others generously.

Spain - 2019 Trip

She is gorgeous and good.  She loves to travel.  She loves her dog child, Samson.

She loves her Kindergarten children.  She loves her family and gives of herself to them.  She loves the Lord and is devoted to His call on her life.

And, we love our Chan!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHANDLER

from your BIGGEST fans,

Daddea and Bibby

What Are You Wearing?

A fashion blogger I follow, posed the question "What are you wearing?".  My initial response, to myself of course, was "You really don't want to know."

To be honest when life was the old normal, I might stay in my work-out clothes most of the morning if I didn't have anywhere to go.  Later in the morning or early afternoon after I finished all the work related activities for the day, I would bath and put on something even more comfortable for the evening.

Are you seeing a pattern here?  Yes, comfort was definitely the word most winter days around here.

Now that my days consist of several walks in the neighborhood every day, and not going out or seeing anyone, my dress theme is still comfort and convenience.

My friend Lea at CiCi's Corner, however, is one of those who gets up early, showers and dresses to the nines every day.  She is amazing and I wish I were more like her in this way.

I hope she doesn't mind my borrowing this picture from her Facebook, but it is perfect for showing how she looks every day, even in the kitchen.

These days of isolation have not changed a thing for her.  That's who she is.

What about you?  Are you dressing well every day?

My blogger friend did offer a few suggestions for dressing well and/or comfortable during these days at home.

She suggested wearing a color or a combination of colors that nourish you.  I found that an interesting use of words.  Since my diet right now may or may not be the most nourishing, I now need to worry about wearing clothes that nourish?

This was causing thought overload, if not a bit of guilt!

She went on to tell us that she wears a certain color when she walks because of how it makes her feel.  Well, I do too!  My black workout tights make me feel skinny and in my imagination, they make my legs look long and powerful.  This imagined picture, whether accurate or not, makes me feel pretty good about myself.

Enough sarcasm!

Seriously, my blogger friend's purpose was to encourage so let me share that with you. 

The color she wears outside to walk is white because it symbolizes hope.  I admire her for this because hope is precisely what we need right now.

She offered some other nourishing colors that might be useful at this time.

Pink exhibits lasting devotion to people, places, and ideals.

Violet can give you a strong sense of inner self and life direction.

Green is nurturing, peaceful, and helpful.

Blue is soothing and inspiring.

Turquoise/aqua is kind, soothing, and friendly.

Periwinkle can put you in touch with quiet inner strength.

Black stands for sophistication, power, and sensuality.

Yellow was not one of the nourishing colors she included but I cannot think of a more nourishing color to me.  It evokes sunshine, brightness and cheer.

So should you be in need of some nourishing color connections while being at home, maybe my friend and I have given you some ideas.

Credit to Soft Surroundings for all the pictures